Stopfordian 2010–2011 - Stockport Grammar School

The Stopfordian 2010–2011
highlight was winning the 5-a-side tournament. Mr Wright had
sportingly fielded three even teams whilst other schools picked
their best five players to play together. The stars were Joe
Donnarumma, the Players’ Player of the Tournament, and Tom
Pearce, the squad’s most improved player over the three days.
As ever, selecting a 14-man squad from over thirty regulars
was a painful process. I would like to thank the following
stalwarts, who all deservedly received colours: Michael
Sidebottom, Alfie Earith, Arjun Takiar, Max O’Brien, George
Francis, Joseph Donnarumma, Scott Helsby, Lewis Braddock,
Nino Orton-Clarke, James Travis, Jonty Coombes, Max
Lederwerg, Jordon Kong, Callum Anderson and Sam Harvey.
I must commend the unflagging enthusiasm of Michael
Sidebottom, who, as captain, led by example. Nino Orton-
Clarke and Lewis Braddock were also excellent performers. In
many ways, Joe Donnarumma was the find of the season;
although happiest on the left wing, he was imperious at centre
of defence with the indomitable Scott Helsby.
Alfie Earith deserves a special mention for his success in the
Independent Schools trials. After three sets of trials, Alfie went
on to represent the North West against Liverpool Boys and
then later in a tournament at Repton School – ‘the best week
of my life,’ Alfie said. The three-day competition began well
with three victories on Day One. Although Alfie did not make
the final national side, he was among the final pool of forty
players – impressive indeed. Fatigue as much as anything else
must have counted against him. At the high point of the
season, he must have been playing or practising five times a
week.
Thanks again to Mr Bowden for his technical expertise.
Thanks also to the dads, especially Mr Donnarumma diligently
running the line. The team is really well supported and this
makes a very real difference. I will miss this set of lads and
dads enormously.
B. J. Masters
SECOND YEAR SHREWSBURY SCHOOL FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
At the end of the Spring term, Mr Wright and Mr Morton took
17 players from the Second Year football team to a four-day
tournament at Shrewsbury School. All 17 players, Mr Wright
and Mr Morton were looking forward to this tournament,
believing we could do well. This was despite the absence of a
number of key squad players. We were also missing Mr Masters
(our Coach) and we would like to thank him and Mr Bowden
for their brilliant coaching and efforts with us this season.
We did not begin the tournament particularly well on
Monday, losing 2-0 to Madeley Academy, Max O’Brien came
the closest to scoring, putting it wide from close range. On
Tuesday, Arjun’s dad (Mr Takiar) arrived to bolster the
coaching staff, but we still suffered defeats, losing to Ivybridge
College (the eventual winners) and Meole Brace School (the
local favourites).
At last a victory - we beat Bishop Veseys 3-0, Alfie Earith,
Lewis Braddock and George Francis, our keeper, all on target.
George smacked it on the volley inside his own box and into
the net, nice one George! We continued well on Wednesday,
thrashing St Paul’s 5-0 with Lewis Braddock scoring a hat trick.
Alfie Earith and Jonty Coombes also scored. Sam Harvey did
well in an unfamiliar position at left back and Tom Pearse
earned a well-deserved Man of the Match award. The next
game was against St Peter’s Collegiate (our residential
partners). The game finished 1-1, Alfie Earith converting Joe
Donnarumma’s through ball. The result was decided with an
impromptu penalty shoot out that we won 3-2. George made
two brilliant penalty saves and was the hero of the hour.
Then, after the Coaches Match in which Mr Takiar set up Mr
Morton to score a belter, we drew our final match 0-0 with
Wilmslow leaving us fourth overall in the tournament
standings. Trophies and medals were presented by Joe Hart
(the Manchester City and England keeper).
On Thursday we had the five-a-side tournament; we split the
squad into three teams. 12 teams were in the tournament, so
we felt we had a good chance. All three teams made the
semi-finals before the team of Joe, Lewis, Tom Sixsmith,
Charlie Kirker, Callum Anderson and Arjun Takiar claimed the
silverware. It was a great end to an exciting four days.
Thanks to Mr Wright, Mr Morton and Mr Takiar for all their
hard work and congratulations to Joe Donnarumma who was
voted SGS Player of the Tournament.
Sam Harvey (2S)
UNDER 12 SEASON REPORT
I was impressed to see so many lads try out for the football
teams this year. It made for a hard choice of squad.
The season did not start well; a 0-5 defeat to a well-drilled
MGS side, but this was soon forgotten with a victory over
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